Scarlet, a young Chinese woman, experiences a romantic encounter with Theo, a foreigner residing in Beijing. Following their night at a hotel, they wake up to discover the hotel is in complete lockdown due to a new virus. The police instruct everyone not to leave their rooms unless directed. In the adjacent room, an elderly couple is grappling with the virus.
The old woman emerges, seeking medicine for her ailing husband, knocking on one door after another. Only Theo and Scarlet respond, providing the old woman with Scarlet’s small medicine bag. However, the consequences of defying the order become evident when the police brutally beat a man attempting to escape.
Later that day, the old woman returns to request another favor. Her husband has lapsed into a coma, and she implores Scarlet and Theo to assist in getting him to the hospital, as the police prohibit anyone from leaving.
Ultimately, Scarlet decides to help. The trio attempts to discreetly move the old man out of the hotel, but the police quickly detect their footsteps and apprehend them. The narrative concludes with Scarlet confronting the police alone.
Written by Clytze Sun (USA)